Lil Jon’s Son Nathan Smith Cause of Death Confirmed as Accidental Drowning

Synopsis

• The Fulton County Medical Examiner determined Nathan Smith died from drowning in the setting of psilocybin use.

• Smith, known as DJ Young Slade, had been reported missing from his Milton, Georgia home.

• Police said there was no indication of foul play as the investigation continued.

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Lil Jon’s Son Nathan Smith Cause of Death Confirmed as Accidental Drowning

The cause of death for Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of rapper Lil Jon, has been officially confirmed.

According to a report published by PEOPLE, the Fulton County Medical Examiner determined that Smith died from “drowning in the setting of psilocybin use,” with the manner of death ruled an accident. The autopsy report, obtained by the publication, indicated that a blood sample tested positive for psilocybin, described as a pharmacologically active hallucinogenic compound found in hallucinogenic mushrooms.

The report further documented that Smith’s body was recovered from a retention pond and noted the presence of water-immersion wrinkling on his hands under the pathologic diagnosis.

Smith, who performed under the name DJ Young Slade, had been reported missing on Feb. 3 after leaving his residence in Milton, Georgia, under what the Milton Police Department described as “unusual circumstances.” Three days later, search efforts expanded to a pond in Mayfield Park near his home. On Feb. 6 at approximately 11:53 a.m., divers from the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered a body believed to be Smith, pending official confirmation from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, as reported by PEOPLE.

Authorities stated at the time that there was “no indication of foul play,” though they emphasized that the investigation into his death remained ongoing. The Milton Police Department also said no additional information would be released until the official cause and manner of death had been determined and all investigative leads thoroughly examined. Officials requested privacy for the Smith family during the tragedy.

Shortly after police announced they believed Smith had died, Lil Jon shared a statement with PEOPLE expressing profound grief.

“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother and I are devastated,” the rapper said. “Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet. He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted — he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest. He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and graduate of NYU.”

He added, “We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him. He was loved and appreciated, and in our last times together we’re comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him.”

Lil Jon later thanked those who supported and prayed for his family during the search and expressed appreciation to the Milton Police Department for its efforts.

Police initially issued a missing person report on Feb. 3 via social media, stating that Smith was last seen around 6 a.m. in the vicinity of Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road in Milton. Authorities indicated he “may be disoriented and in need of assistance,” adding that he had run out of his house on foot, did not have a phone, and had been missing since. Family and friends were said to be concerned for his safety.

Smith was the son of Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, and his ex-wife Nicole Smith. The pair married in 2004 and announced in February 2024 that they had amicably separated two years earlier.

Earlier this month, Lil Jon shared that his son had been laid to rest on Feb. 18. “I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength,” he wrote, while also expressing gratitude to those who extended condolences, love and prayers. He vowed to ensure the world would remember his son’s talent and name: Nathan Murray Smith.

About Lil Jon

Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, is an American rapper, producer and DJ widely credited as a pioneering force behind the crunk movement in hip-hop during the early 2000s. Rising to prominence with hits such as “Yeah!” and a series of club-driven anthems, he became known for his high-energy production style, distinctive vocal ad-libs and influential collaborations across the music industry. Beyond recording and performing, Lil Jon has built a reputation as a producer and entrepreneur, working with major artists and expanding into ventures spanning music, media and philanthropy. Over the years, he has maintained a visible presence in both mainstream entertainment and the DJ community, supporting emerging talent and creative innovation. His career has been marked by commercial success, cultural impact and continued engagement with audiences worldwide.

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